In today's fast-paced life, finding ways to relax, recover and rejuvenate the body and mind is essential for our overall well-being. Both Yoga and the use of Infrared Sauna have the potential to help. While these two practices may seem distinct, they can actually work synergistically to enhance your physical and mental well-being. Here are three ways how:
Reduces Stress: In our yoga practice, we use our breath to help tame our wandering thoughts. While we’re not actually looking for a complete absence of thought, we are seeking a state of clarity and focus. When we step into the infrared sauna, the heat naturally begins to slow the breath, and within just a few minutes, you may notice yourself taking a deep sighing breath and beginning to let go. This is an indication that you’re tapping into the relaxation response, which is the exact effect we may experience at the end of a yoga class in savasana.
Muscle Recovery & Pain Relief: As many of you may know, some of the more vigorous yoga practices, like Vinyasa, Blend or Ashtanga, can work your muscles and help make them stronger. You may also be sore occasionally from this type of effort. Much like our classes more focused on therapy, relaxation and recovery (Gentle, Yin, Meditation, Myofascial Release), the infrared sauna can help with relaxing tired muscles and minimizing DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness). Infrared therapy has been shown to provide relief from various types of pain, including joint pain due to arthritis, headaches, menstrual pain and has even helped some people find relief from fibromyalgia.
Enhances Sleep Quality: Quality sleep is important for our overall well-being. The combination of yoga and infrared sauna can be a game changer for some people looking to achieve more restful nights. As your yoga practice instills a sense of tranquility, an infrared sauna session amplifies this by promoting a gradual cool-down afterward. The elevated body temperature during the sauna, followed by a natural cool-down, mimics the body’s natural circadian rhythm, signaling to your brain that it’s time to wind down. This synchronization primes your body for a more profound and restorative sleep.
Infrared Sauna Benefits Study Links:
